1. Brighton Pride
It’s been a bumper year for LGBT rights, following the yes vote in the Marriage Referendum in Ireland, and this year Brighton Pride will be celebrating their 25th anniversary big time. Fresh from shocking viewers on RTE’s Saturday Night Show, Ireland’s foremost gender illusionist, Panti Bliss aka Rory O’Neill, will be turning Brighton’s rainbow a touch more green this year.
August 1st, Tickets: £9, Departing from Hove Lawns, Brighton, BN3 2FR BN3
2. Festival of the Celts
This year’s Festival of the Celts will be held in the hamlet of Cilycwm outside Llandovery in Wales. The line-up boasts the cream of traditional Irish, Welsh and Scottish music including Irish master fiddler Caitlin Barrett and her band The Roving Crows. Also playing are goodtime boys the The Weebag Band and Scottish ones to watch Hunter & The Bear. This sustainable festival is powered by solar energy and features workshops on sustainable living across the weekend, alongside story telling, arts and crafts and other activities.
July, 24th to 26th , Day tickets: £15, Glangwenlais Farm, Cilycwm near Llandovery, Wales, SA20 0TF
3. Notting Hill Carnival
It’s had a bad press in recent years, but there really is nothing else like the Notting Hill Carnival. Britain’s biggest street party will be turning up the volume in West London again this year. Traditionally soundtracked by steel bands and Calypso it has a more contemporary feel these days, with static reggae and dubstep sound systems holding the beat. If dub step and warm Red Stripe isn’t your idea of a good time, stick to watching the procession itself with some jerk chicken and a Guinness rum punch.
August 30th to 31st, Free Event, Departing from Canal way, Ladbroke Grove W14 5AA
4. Frightfest
A must for horror fans, goths and cinephiles, but not for the faint hearted. Frightfest is three days of back-to-back horror and sci-fi from films from high end to low budget. For the first time in its history the gore-fest will be opening with an Irish production, David Keating’s Cherry Tree. The hidden gem in this years line up is another Irish flick, Corin Hardy’s debut horror The Hallow shot in atmospheric Galway.
August 27th -31st, full ticket: £185, day passes £30. VUE Cinema, 3 Cranbourn Street, Leicester Square, London WC2H 7AL
5. Women’s British Open
Hosted at the award winning Alisa course in Turnberry, this fixture of the golfing calendar is growing in popularity. This year’s open features the top 20 female golfers from 28 different nations. Additionally a selection of food and drink stalls and interactive activities have been set up in the championship village for spectators to enjoy. The Open provides a great chance to relax surrounded by some of the golfing world’s most breathtaking coastal scenery.
July 30th to August2nd, Day Ticket: £19.70 , Alisa Course, Trump Resort, Turnberry, South Ayrshire KA26 9LT
6. International Beatles Week
Liverpool is famous for many reasons, and this week is dedicated to four of them. Each year the city hosts a whole week of Beatles themed activities in tribute to the Fab Four, and this year is no exception. Liverpool will come alive with 60s nostalgia as Beatles fans from across the world flock to the city. Highlights include gigs at the legendary Cavern Club, to walks and talks on the history of Beatlemania. There are also exhibitions, memorabilia sales, and a range of guest speakers.
August 26th to September 1st, Events priced individually, Citywide, Liverpool.
7. The Steampunk Festival
Expect to see some incredible costumes at this celebration of all things Victoriana. Grab your top hats and leather goggles for the biggest steampunk festival in Europe. The cobbled streets of Lincolnshire will be transformed into something resembling the set of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. This year the event has expanded massively with a full convention style line up and a supporting program of art, literature, music and comedy. The highlight of the weekend should be the jet pack racing at Lincoln Castle.
August 29th to 31st, weekend wristband: £35.00, Bailgate and Steep Hill, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN1 3AA
Michael Flatley and company in Lord Of The Dance: Dangerous Games (Lord of the Dance/ Brian Doherty)8. Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games
Lord of the Dance continues its West End run this summer, with new show Dangerous Games. Mixing the very best of traditional Irish dance with contemporary stagemanship, Mr Flatley himself will be dancing at selected shows. Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games features new staging, new costumes and its famous high-energy choreography. If last year’s sell-out run is anything to go buy, tickets for this will fly out the door.
Until September 5th, Tickets: From £29.50, Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7AQ
9. Pirate Day
What could me more fun than a day at the seaside? A day at the seaside dressed as a pirate, obviously. Hasting’s pirate day makes accessorising with a parrot acceptable for everyone young and old. Grab your cutlass, and a picnic and head down south to have some hearty fun. The day’s events include a massive pirate treasure trail, pirate art projects and craft market, and there’s always hope Johnny Depp might turn up.
July 26th, Free Event, Hastings Old Town, East Sussex, TN34 3AR
10. Whitstable Oyster Festival
More than just seafood, the Whitstable Oyster Festival is billed as the ultimate staycation for young and old. Make yourself at home on a family campsite overlooking the famous Whistable Bay. The week will see free events across the town and guests can also enjoy use of the on site swimming pool and bowling alley. The oysters themselves will be served up in The Shuck, the festival’s showcase restaurant.
July 26th to August 3rd, Camping ticket: £25.00, Church Street Playing Fields, Whitstable, CT5 1PF
11. Boyzone at Newmarket Races
As part of their Newmarket Nights event, Ireland’s greatest ever pop exports Boyzone will be playing the July course at Newmarket. A full day at the races will be topped off by Ronan and the boys taking you through their impressive collection of chart hits from When The Going Gets Tough to Words.
July 24th, Tickets: £37.50, Westfield House, Cambridge Road, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 0TG
12. I am of Ireland, Tribute to WB Yeats
Organised by the poet and novelist Orna Ross, join the London Irish community in celebrating the 150th birthday of Ireland’s most well known poet. The theme of the event, supported by The Department of Diaspora Affairs, will look at what it means to be Irish and live overseas. A favourite subject of the long time Londoner himself. The event features music and readings of Yeats’ famous poems.
August 20th, Tickets: £5, London Irish Centre50-52 Camden Square, London NW1 9XB
13. Bat Night
Did you know bats are not actually blind? You do now. Join local bat experts from the Merseyside and West Lancashire Bat Group to celebrate International Bat Night. Find out about the bats that live in and around the Knowsley area. After a welcome presentation, the team will take you on a walk of the woodland and lake areas of Knowsley safari park, complete with bat detectors so you can hear what the local bats are up to. A unique night out.
August 29th, Tickets: £5, Knowsley Safari, Prescot, Merseyside L34 4AN
14. Brighton’s Big Screen
The big screen on the beach will be returning to Brighton again this year, with family favourites such as Frozen and The Goonies, to the boundary breaking Pride. A wide range of street foods stalls will keep you fed and watered during the intervals, with the homemade ice cream stand a must on sunny days. Daytime screenings are free, meaning it makes a wallet friendly family day out. Pack your sunscreen and something to sit on Brighton beach is mostly pebbles.
August 14th to September 13th, Tickets: £3, Brighton seafront, East Sussex, BN2 1TB
15. Isle of Wight Garlic Festival
Just outside Newchurch set amongst the beautiful scenery of the Isle of Wight, is the world’s smelliest festival. I’m not talking about the portaloos. This is foodie heaven, huge garlic and food marquees, cooking demonstrations from top chefs, a giant fun-fair, live music and a beer tent. The Garlic festival has it all, but mostly it has garlic. The incredibly pungent garlic is grown onsite at the multi-award winning Newchurch Garlic Farm. Where else can you enjoy garlic ice cream?
August 15th and 16th , Tickets: £9.50, Garlic Farm, Mersley Lane, Sandown, Isle of Wight PO36 0NR
16. Buckingham Place Summer Opening
The Queen is on her holidays and this means, if you can battle through the hordes of tourists, Buckingham Palace is open for all to see. If you go on a nice day make the most of it and book the combined ticket option that includes the gardens. The well-maintained summerhouse, rose garden, and the palace tennis court, will make for far better instagram shots than the staterooms themselves. Tickets these days include an audio tour.
July 25th to September 27th, Adult Ticket: £29.50, Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA
17. Grillstock
If you’re a vegetarian this is probably your worst nightmare, otherwise bring a bib. Grillstock is the UK’s biggest BBQ and music festival and organisers promise a weekend of meat, music and mayhem. Entertainment includes include chilli-pepper and hot-dog eating competitions, bands and DJ’s playing across three stages. A low and slow BBQ competition puts cook out teams to the test as they battle the smoke to be crowned King of the Grill.
5th to 6th September, Weekend Ticket: £45, 5 The Scene, 198 Hoe St, Walthamstow, London E17 7FD
18. Great North Run
Attracting a host of world-class athletes the Great North Run is the world’s leading half marathon. Although televised it has a less showy feel than the London marathon and previous years have seen the likes of Mo Farah and Paula Radcliffe compete. There are plenty of points along the 13.1 mile route for spectators to get a piece of the action, including across the iconic Tyne bridge. The Red Arrows will be doing a flyover on the day and many attractions and restaurants that line the course offer deals on the day for run spectators.
September 12th, Free for spectators, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE99 1RY
19. Film Under Stars Pitsea
If you’re in the South East and want outdoor cinema without travelling to London, Pitseas’ film under the stars is the answer. Films start at sunset, although gates open earlier allowing you to get settled and enjoy the BBQ, homemade ice cream and pick ‘n’ mix stand. This year’s schedule includes cult classics such as Dirty Dancing, Back To The Future, and Top Gun. As always with outdoor cinema, dress for the weather and bring plenty of blankets.
Until September 26th, Tickets: £10, Pitsea Hall Lane, Pitsea, Mt Basildon, Essex SS16 4UH
20. Portsmouth International Kite Fest
Overlooking Solent, the Portsmouth International Kite Festival attracts kitefliers and their kites from around world. The theme for 2015 is myth and fantasy so expect to see dragons, witches, ghosts, mermaids, and other brightly coloured themed kites fill the skies. A free children’s kite workshop will also be on site.
August 15th to 16th, Free Event, Southsea Common, Southsea, Portsmouth PO5 3LJ
21. World Bog Snorkelling Championships
Bog snorkelling it turns out, is a truly international event. Its championships take place in the mythical sounding Waen Rhydd Bog on the outskirts of Lalanwrtyd. Described by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s must see events, this is something different. A shuttle bus ‘to the bog and back’ is provided for spectators and those brave enough to wade through a bog wearing a snorkel. The event attracts thousands of spectators. A cider bar, bouncy castle and live music provide non-bog based entertainment on the day. Sign up to take part in the snorkelling itself closes seven days before the event.
August 30th, Free Event, Waen Rhydd Peat bog, near Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, Wales. (Bogs don’t have postcodes).
22. Richard II Midnight Matinee at The Globe
Even if you’re not a Shakespeare fan, seeing the Bard’s work at The Globe is an impressive experience. The midnight matinee is a must for fans and surprisingly affordable in comparison to West End prices. This year’s hot pick has to be Richard II, a topical choice after its namesake made the news this year with a belated televised funeral.
July 25th, Tickets: From £5 , Globe Theatre, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9D
23. Jackson Pollock: Blind Spots at Tate Liverpool
Often overlooked in favour of its London counterpart, Tate Liverpool has landed this year’s talking point art exhibition. The greatly influential and often controversial Jackson Pollock and his paint splattered canvases made modern art mainstream. This exhibition explores his lesser-known black pourings, showing work never before seen in the UK. A great introduction to modern art for those not familiar with it, and easily the must see exhibition of the summer for art buffs.
Until October 18th, Tickets: £11,Tate Liverpool, Albert Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, L3 4BB
24. The Great British Beer Festival
Beer lovers rejoice, over 900 real ales, ciders, perries and international beers are served under one roof for the UK’s biggest beer festival. Organised by CAMRA the event features over 350 British breweries across 27 different bars. Large seating areas, entertainment and traditional pub games fill the gaps between pints.
August 11th to 15th, Day ticket: £8, Olympia London,Hammersmith Road, Kensington, London W14 8UX
25. WOMAD
If Glasto is all about hearing your favourite songs outside in a field, then WOMAD is about discovering your next favourite song outside in a field. It’s also considerably easier to get tickets. Alongside aspiring musical talent from across the world WOMAD, has everything else you would expect from a festival of this calibre. A dedicated Kids zone, an impressive world food market, and world of wellbeing featuring spa treatments and workshops.
July 24th to 26th, Weekend Ticket inc. camping: £165, Charlton Park Estate,, Charlton Park, Malmesbury,Wiltshire SN16 9DG
26. Bath Folk Festival
One of the most exciting new folk music festivals on the yearly festival roster, Bath Folk festival draws an eclectic mix of UK and international folk musicians. A grass-roots festival, it is run by the musicians themselves and also features a summer school where budding musicians can pick up tips. Forget the big stages, traditional Irish Trad sessions, and night-time campfire sing-along’s are what this festival does best. The festival takes place across different venues in bath with many of the events free.
August 8th to 16th, Events priced individually, Bath, City Wide
27. The Goodwood Revival
One for old motor fans and dapper dressers, each year the Goodwood Circuit runs a three-day festival of historic motor racing. The races feature the very racing cars and motorcycles that would have competed during the circuit’s 1948–1966 heyday. Established as the only sporting event staged entirely in period theme, a full on vintage high street is created, with serious attention to detail. Shops selling retro items allow visitors to take a take a walk down memory lane and shop the past. Most go to town on the vintage theme, dressing in clothes from the era and the best-dressed are rewarded with prizes.
September 11th -13th, Tickets: £50, Goodwood Estate, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0PX
28. IWA Northampton Festival of Water 2015
This major waterways event is held on the River Nene and centred around the waterfront at Becket’s Park. Hundreds of boats, including leisure, trade, heritage and working narrowboats, fill the marina, mooring along the riverfront. There are plenty of opportunities for visitors to get afloat on board leisure boats and water taxis.
August 29th to 31st, Free Event, Old Towcester Road, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN4 8ES
29. Beach East Olympic Park
Stuck in the London, dreaming of the coast? Well Beach East might provide a close enough experience. Britain’s largest urban beach can provide plenty of sand to get in your sandwich. You can build a sandcastle and eat fish and chips all within walking distance of the central line. The urban beach overlooks the canal, which you can’t paddle in, but it will also feature a paddling pool that you can paddle in.
July 11th to August 31st, Free Entrance, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, London E20 2ST
30. Grand Medieval Mêlée
A great day out for young historians, the Medieval Mêlée allows you to experience all things medieval, without the unsanitary conditions or dispiriting life expectancy. Watch actors in period costumes, cook, clean, weave and fight to the death, all in medieval style. From fearless knights to put upon peasants all aspects of life in the dark ages are re-enacted. The event is set in the grounds of the impressive Cardiff castle. If it all gets too much Cardiff Castle has a thoroughly modern visitor centre and café for a coffee break.
August 11th Tickets: £6, Cardiff Castle, Castle St, Cardiff CF10 3RB
31. Lyme Park Meet the Gruffalo
This summer, Lyme Park is home to the Gruffalo. The event features displays of original artwork from Gruffalo illustrator Axel Schefflerand. Outdoor story telling brings this kid’s favourite to life as you follow a trail around the, 1,300 acre grounds of Lyme Park. Children will also love the expansive playground with its giant slides, badger den and rope walks.
Until August 31st, Free Event, Lyme Park, Disley, Stockport, Cheshire, SK12 2NR
32. Summer Thrift Stock
Elbows ready ladies. If you miss the days when vintage clothes shopping meant rummaging through piles of moth bitten fabric, not paying over the odds in a snooty boutique, then this is the sale for you. The East End Thriftstore’s Thrift Stock has over 25 tons of vintage clothes, on offer with new stock added each day. Stuff £10 and £20 bags full of great vintage finds. Somewhere in there is that perfect vintage dress.
July 25th, Free Event, Assembly Passage, Whitechapel. E1 4UT
33. Ed Byrne at Ed Fringe
See the Dublin funny man at the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe festival. Byrne performs alongside a whole host of other stand ups, pop ups and laugh out louds, across the three-week event. This year’s program has over 3,000 comedy and theatrical events on show in the Scottish capital. Byrne will be performing his smashing Outside Looking In throughout the festival. Fellow Irishman Keith Franan is also appearing at this year’s Fringe.
August 5th to 30th, Ed Byrne Tickets: £15, Gilded Balloon, 25 Greenside Lane, Edinburgh EH1 3AA
34. Battle of Britain Anniversary Airshow
Commemorating the 75th anniversary of The Battle of Britain this incredible airshow will feature the world famous spitfires, flying in mass formation. You can also watch a ‘squadron scramble’ recreated as pilots race to their planes. The day will allow visitors to experience the sounds and sights of wartime Britain, with music from the 1940s. Visitors will also have a chance to get up close and person with the historic aircraft before take off.
September 13th, Tickets: £24.75, Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridge CB22 4QR
35. International Agatha Christie festival
Celebrate all things Agatha on the whodunit queen’s 125th birthday. The 2015 International Agatha Christie Festival offers a nine-day programme of unique events including film screenings and expert talks exploring Agatha Christie’s life. There will plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy food, drink and a good book along the English Riviera. The festival includes a free programme of daily activities and newly curated exhibition, Agatha Christie: Unfinished Portrait.
September 11th to 20th, Events priced individually, Torre Abbey, The King’s Dr, Torquay, Torbay TQ2 5JE
36. York Maize
Get lost in a giant maze, made of maize. Cut from over one million living, growing maize plants, York Maize is easily the largest attraction of its kind in Britain. Aside from the main maize maze, (try saying that after a pint) there is a selection of smaller mazes, tractor rides, and their famous pig racing.
Until September 7th, Family ticket: £50, Dunnington Lodge, Elvington Lane, York, North Yorkshire, YO19 5LT
37. Piping Live
Bagpipes, you either love or loathe them. If you love them then Piping Live is the place to be this summer. A weeklong program of events dedicated to the wonderful world of pipe music. The largest bagpipe festival in the world, it is opened with performances in the Royal Concert Hall by musicians including The National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland. The festival consists of over 150 individual events including free classes, concerts and ceilidhs throughout the week.
August 10th to 16th, Events priced Individually, Glasgow, City wide
38. Wales Vs Ireland
A battle of the Celtic giants, this is a must see fixture for rugby fans across Britain. Ireland square up to Wales in the run up to the rugby world cup at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. To experience the incredible atmosphere you really need to be there in person. It’s not a cheap but it’s not a forgettable either. Get in quick while tickets are still available.
August 8th, Tickets: From £35, Millenium Stadium, Westgate Street, Cardiff CF10 1NS
39. Bakewell Baking Festival
It’s baked goods galore at the home of Britain’s most well-loved tart. This festival promises sugar and spice and all things nice, with highlights including the Darcy custard pie fight and Ian Watters of GBBO’s baked Alaska controversy. Set in the beautiful Peak District National Park, this is the perfect foodie festival for fans of all things twee and British.
August 14th to 16th, Weekend Ticket: £13 , The Showground, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1AH
40. Holi Festival of colours
Growing in popularity, the Holi festival of colours is a day of spontaneous multicoloured madness, based on the Hindu festival of Holi. These modern events are really just an excuse to throw an awful lot of (thankfully, non-toxic) brightly coloured powder around. It’s all a bit silly, but great fun too. Wear cheap white clothing you can throw away after, and be prepared for some funny looks on the way home.
September 12th, Tickets: £29.99, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, London E20 2ST
41. Southport Flower Show
The UK’s largest independent flower show is located within walking distance of Southport town centre, in the pretty Victoria Park. It’s a busy event, usually attracting around 70,000 visitors over the three days. Its main attractions are the imaginative show gardens but it also has a full roster of celebrity guests and impressive vegetable and flower displays.
August 20th 23rd, Ticket: £20, Victoria Park, Southport PR8 2BZ
42. Visions and Vistas Exhibition
This exhibition by Johanna Freudenberg Wednesday depicts the lives of 24 Cornish Saints who left Wales and Ireland and migrated southwards to convert the pagan population of Cornwall to Christianity. It’s an impressively colourful collection and well worth a look if you’re planning on visiting the Cornish Cathedral itself.
August 12th to September 2nd, Free Event, Truro Cathedral, 14 Saint Mary’s Street, Truro, Cornwall TR1 2AF
43. Boxted Berries
You can beat a day out berry picking, and Boxted Berry Farm has the lot, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and gooseberries. Simply fill your empty contains till your heart’s content, naturally eating as many as the sun ripened berries as you can on your way round, and then pay per weight at the end. There isn’t much shade so bring sun protection on hot days and be warned that wearing white clothes will end in stains.
Until late September, Free Entrance – pay for fruit, 53 Boxted Straight Road, near Colchester, Essex CO4 5RB.
44. Dorset Country Show
The Dorset Country show is a British summertime staple with everything you would expect from a country show. Now in its 175th year, this countryside classic features traditional horse competitions, vintage cars, a fun fair, beer tents, food halls and craft stands, and also the quirkier country sports such as ferret and terrier racing.
September 5th, Ticket: £14 , Dorchester Showground, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7SD,
45. Pride and Prejudice
Swoon over Mr Darcy on a sunny afternoon in Stewart Park Middlesbrough, this summer. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is brought to life in the great outdoors. The performance area is paved over, meaning no damp grass, but you might want something comfortable to sit on, refreshments will be sold but the audience are encouraged to bring a picnic to add to the atmosphere.
August 16th. Ticket: £9.90, Stewart Park, The Grove, Marton, Middlesbrough TS7 8AR
46. CLA Game Fair Leeds
The CLA Game Fair is the biggest field-sporting event of the summer calendar covering everything from falconry to fishing. Home of the international gun dog competition the event will also feature archery demonstrations, horse events and a dedicated food show. Held in the ground of the imposing Harewood House, expect to see plenty of Barbour jackets and flatcaps.
July 31 to August 2. Day tickets: £30, Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds, LS17 9LG
47. Film & Comic Con Sheffield
Growing in popularity, the Sheffield Film & Comic Con is back at the Motorpoint Arena this with a huge guest list of stars from the world of TV, film and comics. It’s standard Comic Con fare with autograph stalls, photo shoots and a chance to mingle with the stars. Rows of memorabilia stalls will cater for collectors and casual shoppers alike. Guest highlights this year include Dave Prowse from Star Wars and the aesthetically pleasing Jack Donnelly of Atlantis.
August 15th to 16th, Day tickets: £15, Motorpoint Arena, Broughton Lane, Sheffield, S9 2DE
48. Galleries of Justice Dungeon Tour Nottingham
One of the most haunted buildings in the world, The Galleries of Justice in Nottingham will be opening for after dark tours this summer, led by Medium Maria Davey. The tours of the historical prison will incorporate the original corridors, caves cells and dungeons. Tickets can’t guarantee you will encounter the dead in the ancient gaol, but equally they can’t guarantee you wont.
August 1st,Tickets: £9.95, Galleries of Justice, The Lace Market, Nottingham, NG1 1HN
49. Horror Camp Live
A thoroughly different camping trip, Horror Camp Live is an overnight immersive experience. For 13 hours campers become part of an interactive horror story. If you loved The Blair Witch Project, this is your chance to live it. Tickets include a two-course buffet style meal around the campfire and a scary movie before lights out. After dark, campers will be encouraged to navigate around a series of indoor and outdoor environments with a host of scary set ups. This event is, understandably adults only.
August 15th, Ticket: £89.99, Hawkshaw Farm Park, Longsight Road, Clayton le Dale, Blackburn, Lancashire BB2 7JA
50. Archikids Festival
A full program of architecture inspired events aimed at children, based in London’s Square Mile. This event aims to inspire kids from across the city with the buildings that surround them everyday. Adult engineering teams will be on hand to give talks and advice to budding future construction artists. This is a unique event for the capital’s youngsters. Sessions are free but may require booking.
July 25th and 26th, Free Event 30 St Mary Axe Plaza, , London EC3A 8EP
See More: Featured, Fun Summer Events
